Can nerve pain be alleviated by marijuana? Indeed, it can also aid in the relief of other types of pain. However, how precisely does marijuana reduce pain?
To put it briefly, substances called cannabinoids, which are present in the cannabis plant, bind to receptors that control how the body reacts to pain. However, this is only the beginning; in this guide, we’ll go into more details. If you’re considering medical cannabis for pain relief, you can get an MMJ card online to access the treatment legally and conveniently.
Knowing how and why cannabis works for pain can help you customize your treatment plan and achieve the all-natural healing you deserve, whether you’re thinking about using it to treat chronic pain or arthritis.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Cannabis and Pain Relief 101
Let’s first examine the reasons why cannabis is such a powerful pain reliever. We’ll look at three main components to break down this subject: pain receptors, cannabinoids, and your body’s endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid System
An internal network of receptors known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS) reacts to both endogenous (produced by your body) and exogenous cannabinoids.
A few key points regarding the ECS are as follows:
- Everyone has one – Your body has an ECS whether or not you have ever used marijuana. This vital internal system contributes to inflammation, pain, and other physiological reactions.
- There are two main ECS receptors – CB1 and CB2, which are the two primary types. These can be found in various body parts, and they all influence distinct reactions.
- Cannabinoids interact with the ECS – Although your body naturally produces endogenous cannabinoids, which are cannabinoids that interact with the ECS, the cannabinoids that are introduced through marijuana use have comparable effects. For this reason, medical cannabis can be used to treat pain and other health issues.
Cannabinoids
Speaking of cannabinoids, let’s discuss a few of the substances that cannabis use can introduce into your body.
The two most common substances in marijuana plants, known as the “major cannabinoids,” are probably familiar to you:
- THC: The psychoactive substance delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is found naturally in marijuana plants. Although THC produces the high that comes with using cannabis, it can also help achieve a number of wellness objectives.
- CBD: Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive substance that has a number of health advantages without making users feel intoxicated.
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of “minor cannabinoids” in comparatively small amounts in addition to the major cannabinoids mentioned above. CBN, CBC, and CBG are just three examples, and each one has different health advantages for users.
It is possible for any of the major and minor cannabinoids to interact with the ECS. This is the main way that marijuana gives patients the desired health effects.
Pain Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System
By binding to (or interacting with) the CB1 and CB2 ECS receptors, cannabinoids engage in ECS interactions. Although these receptors serve different purposes, scientists are still attempting to determine the full range of physiological roles that CB1 and CB2 play. Experts currently understand that:
- The psychoactive reaction that THC produces is mostly caused by CB1.
- Both immunological responses and inflammation can be influenced by CB2 activity.
- In order to elicit particular reactions, THC and CBD both interact with these receptors.
Cannabis research is still in progress, but even though CB1 is primarily linked to psychoactivity, there may be more to the story—both receptors may be involved in pain management (among other processes).
Effective Ways to Use Cannabis for Pain Relief
Let’s discuss some pain-related use cases now that you have a better understanding of how cannabis relieves pain. Continue reading if you’re unsure of where to begin your journey toward cannabis care.
Chronic Pain
You’re not alone if you’re thinking about using medical marijuana to treat chronic pain; innumerable patients have attested to the drug’s ability to reduce pain.
You can use marijuana to treat chronic pain in a number of ways, including:
- Topicals: For patients experiencing pain in particular areas, cannabis-infused topicals have been available for a while and are a common way of administration. Additionally, they are usually infused with CBD, which prevents intoxication.
- Edibles: For people with chronic pain, cannabis edibles are another well-liked option. Edibles provide a straightforward method of introducing marijuana into the body, discreet administration, and extremely accurate dosage.
Joint Pain
Do you want to treat your joint pain with marijuana? This could completely change the way you manage your pain.
Pharmaceuticals are frequently used by people with joint pain; opioids are a surprisingly common option, but they have a high potential for dependence and a host of negative side effects. Conversely, for patients who are having difficulty enhancing their quality of life due to joint pain, cannabis provides an all-natural alternative.
Topicals containing cannabis are among the most widely used options for people with joint pain. Why?
- They’re not psychoactive – They don’t make you feel high because topicals are usually infused with non-psychoactive CBD.
- They can be used all day – Patients can use topical products at any time of day because they are not psychoactive. This includes before work, after working out, and even in public.
- They’re simple to use – They are easy to use; all you have to do is apply a few pumps of your preferred topical product to your skin and massage it in.
Back Pain
Marijuana and back pain have long been linked; both clinical research and anecdotal evidence support the widespread belief that cannabis is a useful treatment for back pain.
Because of its many health benefits, cannabis is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from back pain. Patients require a truly comprehensive solution that addresses all of the symptoms that are associated with their back pain because it can disrupt sleep, prevent us from exercising, and even interfere with our social lives.
In addition to relieving back pain, medical marijuana can:
- Encourage better sleep.
- Encourage patients to engage in regular exercise.
- Provide emotional support so we can continue our regular social activities.
Managing Pain Associated with Medical Treatments
Pain is a common side effect of many medical conditions and their treatments:
- Cancers
- Autoimmune disorders
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Following various surgeries, patients may also experience a painful recovery period.
Cannabis is particularly helpful for those who suffer from these extreme pain sources. Why?
- Cannabis reduces nausea: Many cancer treatments have been known to cause nausea. During cancer treatment, patients who are in pain can benefit from nausea reduction, which can help them eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Marijuana has anti-inflammatory qualities: Because autoimmune diseases are frequently characterized by inflammation, medical cannabis may help patients with these conditions manage their overall inflammatory response while also reducing their pain.
- Cannabis can lessen muscle spasms: Cannabis can lessen pain and moderate muscle spasms, which are a common symptom of many conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and thyroid disorder.
Cannabis can help people manage some of their symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life while they recover from even the most difficult medical conditions.
Get Easy Access to Medical Cannabis with Online Medical Card
The conclusion is clear: cannabis is a good option for pain relief based on growing clinical evidence and a wealth of anecdotal reports.
However, obtaining safe, dispensary-grade cannabis in the first place is the first step towards finding this relief. You’ll need a medical marijuana card to do that, and Online Medical Card can assist.
You can get a recommendation for cannabis, navigate the card approval process, and investigate your medical marijuana options with the assistance of our network of telehealth providers. Not only that, but we will assist you in creating your treatment plan and provide you with ongoing support throughout your recovery process. Additionally, if you’re interested in cultivation, we can guide you through obtaining a CA cannabis grower license, giving you more control over your medical cannabis supply.
Get the relief you deserve with medical cannabis and bid adieu to prescription opioids and other ineffective therapies.
